Tsitsikamma National Park, National park in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Tsitsikamma National Park is a protected area along the southern coast of South Africa in Eastern Cape, covering about 80 kilometers of rocky shoreline and extending 5 kilometers out into the Indian Ocean. The terrain shifts between steep cliffs, dark forests filled with ferns, and wide river mouths that cut through the rock on their way to the sea.
The area became a protected reserve in 1964 and was recognized as the first marine park in Africa, setting a new standard for coastal conservation. This decision helped preserve both land and ocean environments in a single system.
The name comes from the Khoisan language and means 'place of much water', a reference given by the people who first knew these forests and rivers. Visitors today can still see how streams cut through the forest and empty into the ocean, following the same paths they always have.
Two main camps at Storms River Mouth and Natures Valley serve as starting points for trails and water activities. Paths can be steep and slippery after rain, so wear sturdy shoes and bring enough drinking water.
The Bloukrans Bridge within the park offers a bungee jump from 216 meters (709 feet) above a river gorge. This jump is one of the highest commercial bungee operations in the world.
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